Prayer for a Nation in Shock

Lord, as we awake after a day of shocking unrest in our nation’s capital, an assault on decency and democracy through the invasion of the Capitol, may our hearts find rest in you. May our nation find rest in you.

For your Word reminds us that you are in control. “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings . . .” (Dan 2:20-21).

And your word tells us that your kingdom will prevail. “And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day” (Isa. 2:17).

Moreover, you invite us into your glorious kingdom by faith in your Son. “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13-14)

As Americans, we grieve the loss of life as a result of yesterday’s events. We grieve the assault on an institution that holds our republic together. We grieve the condition of our country—the polarization, the vitriol, the rampant deception and distrust. We grieve the division that led to it and now flows in its aftermath. In our grief, we are reminded what a sweet gift our liberties here are, and yet how fragile they can be. We are reminded of how important it is to do our part as good citizens, working for the good of our neighbors and nations. But more than anything, as Christians, we are reminded that our hope is not in this world. While our nation shakes, we praise you that we belong to an unshakable kingdom in Christ. We are citizens of heaven, mere exiles on earth.

And so we pray for the peace of our nation. And we pray that your church would lead the way in love, humility, truth, and justice. And as the kingdoms of man are found wanting, may more and more people see Jesus for who he is, our unparalleled king, who alone offers hope to this broken world. And may your people, as sojourners and exiles, abstain from the passions of the flesh which wage war against our soul, and keep your conduct among the nations honorable, so that when they speak against us as evildoers, they may see our good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation (2 Pet. 1:10-11).

Amen.